Jackson Free Press

Mississippi Defenseless in Federal Suit

Three-year-old Olivia Y. weighed only 22 pounds—less than half what she should have weighed—when the Mississippi courts took her from her abusive mother and turned her over to the foster-care …

Bills Target Jackson Development, Infrastructure

In the sixth week of its session, the Mississippi Legislature passed a number of bills relevant to the city of Jackson.

Coal Plant on Public Hot Seat This Week

The Mississippi Public Service Commission began the second phase of hearings this week to determine the need for a proposed $2.4 billion coal plant in Kemper County.

Seeds of Community

Surrounded by brick and mortar in Casey Elementary is an organic oasis. As I approach the garden, an army of ants enters and leaves its bed only to disappear into …

Council Round Up

At the Aug. 24 Jackson City Council meeting, council members voted and passed several actions.

Melton to Trial This Time?

Barring any last-minute complications, Mayor Frank Melton's much-delayed federal civil-rights trial will begin with jury selection on Feb. 2.

Melton Flies to Phillips

Blog post by Brian Johnson:

Mayor Frank Melton flew to Dallas today with city investment guru Jimmy Heidel and his ever-present body guards. In comments before the flight, Melton told members of the press that …

Constitution Man

Bill Marcy is a history buff and cites articles of the Constitution when making his case for the role of government. The Chicago native will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Bennie …

Barbour Flipping On MAEP?

Gov. Haley Barbour has said that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program formula will likely receive full funding from the Legislature now that the state superintendent of education has released a …

The Race Conversation

Race in Mississippi usually comes with many tons of baggage and several degrees of heat. Certainly, it's unusual to have the words "race" and "dialogue" on the same page, let …

Schools Short on Pay Roll?

The latest round of state budget cuts has many Mississippi school districts facing difficult budgetary decisions. Gov. Haley Barbour announced $85 million in cuts to K-12 education last Wednesday, $76 …

Keeping The Gloves Off

In their first and only debate, Senate candidates Roger Wicker and Ronnie Musgrove maintained in person the negative tone that has characterized much of the advertising for both of their …

Of Hats, Cowboys and Corporate Taxes

Republican attorney general candidate Alben Hopkins, a successful Gulf Coast trial lawyer, attacked Attorney General Jim Hood Monday for using private attorneys to take on lawsuits on behalf of the …

BREAKING: JPS Wants Secrecy

On Friday, the U.S. District Court will rule on a Jackson Public Schools motion for a protective order that will allow virtually any document, file or record connected to the …

Gloria Norris and her Mississippi Road

With her Nikon FE camera in tow, Mississippi native and noted author Gloria Norris drove down Highway 51 through Mississippi capturing the fleeting images of the state that characterized her …

Sales Tax Holiday This Weekend

If you're in the market for back-to-school clothes and shoes, this coming weekend is the time to make your purchases.

Not Your Daddy's SWAC

This ain't your daddy's SWAC. And that's a shame.

‘It's About Ethics'

Democratic Insurance Commissioner candidate Gary Anderson signed a statement Monday pledging to refuse contributions from any insurance company, insurance company PAC or insurance company executive or corporate officer.

Fire Department Recruits Flunk

The 2007 Jackson Fire Department recruit class has hit another obstacle. Almost half the graduating class, 10 out of 23, failed a field delivery test administered by the state fire …

Running Out Of Gas

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin says his fleet is suffering from increased gas prices and claims the Hinds County Board of Supervisors does not have a serious grasp of the …